Two Rescued After Yacht Engine Fire Off Cornwall Coast in Dramatic Hailstorm
Two people were left stranded on a 14-metre sailing yacht after its engine burst into flames in a catastrophic incident off the coast of Fowey in south Cornwall. The RNLI was called to the scene just before 10.30am on Saturday, responding to reports of the vessel suffering severe engine failure that ignited into a fire approximately 12 nautical miles south southeast of the picturesque harbour town.
Rescue Operation Deployed Amidst Challenging Conditions
Upon arrival, rescue crews from the RNLI, assisted by a Border Force vessel and a Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship, confirmed that the fire had been extinguished. However, they still boarded the yacht to conduct a thorough assessment of its condition and ensure the safety of the two individuals trapped on board. Fortunately, it is not believed that either person sustained any injuries during the alarming ordeal.
The rescue teams then attached a tow line to the damaged yacht, with a lifeboat beginning to pull it back towards shore. During the return journey, the group encountered a significant hailstorm, adding further difficulty to the already tense operation. Despite the harsh weather conditions, the crews managed to navigate safely through the storm, ultimately towing the vessel into Fowey Harbour without further incident.
Official Statement and Aftermath
In an official statement, the RNLI detailed the sequence of events: "Falmouth Coastguard requested the launch of our all-weather Severn class lifeboat Sybil Mullen Glover to locate, assess and assist a 14m sailing vessel with two people on board following an engine fire 12 nautical miles south southeast of Fowey. It was soon confirmed that the vessel had suffered catastrophic engine failure and that any fire had been extinguished. A tow line was rigged and the vessel was taken in tow towards the nearest safe haven."
Following the successful rescue and tow, all crews were stood down, marking the end of a dramatic and hazardous mission. The incident highlights the critical role of emergency services in responding to maritime emergencies, particularly in unpredictable coastal waters like those off Cornwall.
